Radioimmunoassay of 19 nor testosterone. Evidence of its secretion by the testis of the stallion.

This research explores the secretion of 19 nor testosterone by the testis of stallions, using a specific radioimmunoassay. The findings show that there is a testicular secretion of 19 nor testosterone, and this secretion is hampered under stress.

Preparing the Antiserum

• The study began with the production of antiserum in rabbits. This was done through treating the rabbits with a composition of 19 nor testosterone-hemisuccinate-bovine-serum-albumin conjugate.
• The antiserum thus produced was used to develop a specific radioimmunoassay (RIA) for plasma 19 nor testosterone.
• The RIA is a sensitive technique used to measure the antigen levels by using radiolabeled substances. Here, it is used to measure the 19 nor testosterone levels in plasma.

Plasma Sampling

• Plasma samples were collected from both testicular and jugular veins of stallions during their castration carried out under general anesthesia.
• The samples obtained from two different locations helped in a comparative study of 19 nor testosterone presence and levels.

Findings

• The results of the study showed that there is a testicular secretion of 19 nor testosterone, indicating that this hormone is produced by the testes of the stallions.
• Additionally, the study revealed a stress inhibition of the secretion of 19 nor testosterone. This implies that under conditions of stress, such as during castration, the secretion of 19 nor testosterone decreases.
• This stress inhibition was found to be correlative with the stress inhibition of testosterone secretion, indicating a possible relationship between the secretion of these two substances under stress conditions.

Implications

• This study brings forth important insights into the hormonal behavior of stallions under stress.
• In understanding the link between stress and hormone inhibition, this study could potentially lead to new strategies to manage stress-related hormonal imbalances in stallions.
• Furthermore, the research can pave the way for similar studies in other species to understand the broader behavior of 19 nor testosterone.